Recent Bills
A Bill is a draft law which becomes an Act after it has been passed by Parliament and received the President’s assent. Generally, Bills to amend the Constitution require a two-thirds majority in Parliament (excluding Nominated Members of Parliament) to pass, while Bills to create a new Act or amend an existing Act require a simple majority to pass.
Energy Transition Measures and Other Amendments Bill
Reading during next seating
- The bill amends the Energy Market Authority of Singapore Act, Electricity Act, and Gas Act, primarily to establish a Future Energy Fund aimed at supporting low-carbon energy projects and energy supply security initiatives.
- It empowers the Energy Market Authority to manage the Future Energy Fund and specifies its funding sources, including contributions from the Consolidated Fund and donations.
- New provisions allow for electricity rationing during shortages, enabling authorities to regulate the generation, transmission, and supply of electricity to alleviate shortages.
- The bill includes further regulations on the relationship between gas importers and prescribed generation entities, ensuring gas supply compliance for electricity generation.
- It introduces stricter controls on ownership interests in designated energy entities and regulates how energy initiatives can be funded and implemented, while incorporating transitional provisions for existing contracts and agreements.
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Platform Workers Bill
Reading during next seating
- The Platform Workers Bill establishes the rights and obligations of platform operators and workers, including the formation and recognition of platform work associations.
- It mandates registration of platform work associations, outlines their governance, and ensures rights for workers to participate in such associations without restrictions from operators.
- The bill requires platform operators to maintain specific records, provide earnings slips, and prioritize workers' debts in cases of insolvency or bankruptcy.
- It introduces administrative penalties for non-compliance with the provisions and allows the Commissioner to enforce regulations and conduct inspections.
- The legislation includes amendments to various existing acts to align with the new provisions concerning platform workers and operators.
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Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment) Bill
Reading during next seating
- The bill seeks to amend the Constitution of Singapore to disqualify members of platform work associations from being appointed to key regulatory and public service positions, including the Public Service Commission, personnel boards, the Judicial Service Commission, and the Legal Service Commission.
- The amendments stem from the recognition and registration of platform work associations under the Platform Workers Act 2024.
- Specific articles in the Constitution (Articles 106, 110D, 111C, and 111K) will be updated to reflect these disqualifications and the consequences of membership in such associations.
- The bill does not involve any additional financial expenditures for the government.
- The act will come into operation on a date to be appointed by the President and notified in the Gazette.
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Casino Control (Amendment) Bill
Read 3 months ago
- The Casino Control (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to update the Casino Control Act 2006 by enhancing the regulatory framework for casinos, addressing technological advancements, and detailing processes related to casino gambling and marketing.
- Key changes include the introduction of new definitions for "casino gambling," "casino game," and "promotional game," which distinguish between different forms of gambling activities conducted in casinos.
- The bill proposes increased penalties for various offences, including raised fines and the introduction of custodial sentences for serious violations.
- It establishes provisions for information sharing among casino operators to prevent and detect money laundering, terrorism financing, and related criminal activities.
- Additionally, it streamlines several operational details to be regulated by subsidiary legislation, while enhancing protections for individuals at risk of problem gambling.
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Building Control (Amendment) Bill
Reading during next seating
- The Building Control (Amendment) Bill aims to enhance energy efficiency measures for existing buildings in Singapore and implement miscellaneous amendments to the Building Control Act 1989.
- It introduces a framework that requires the owners of energy-intensive buildings to demonstrate improvements in energy efficiency, including mandatory audits and submission of improvement plans.
- New definitions, such as "Type 1 building" and "energy use intensity," are established to clarify the classifications and standards related to energy efficiency.
- Enforcement mechanisms include penalties for non-compliance, requiring owners to maintain and report on their buildings' energy use and sustainability.
- The Bill also includes provisions for a transition to the new regulatory framework and modifications for facade inspectors under Part 5 of the Act.
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Good Samaritan Food Donation Bill
Passed 4 months ago
- The Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 2024 aims to protect food donors from liability for personal injuries or deaths resulting from the consumption of donated food under certain conditions.
- The Act encourages food donations to reduce waste and increase food availability for food-insecure communities.
- Food donors must ensure that donated food is safe and suitable for consumption, and they must inform recipients of any specific handling requirements or time limits for food safety.
- The Act exempts certain personal food exchanges from liability protections, focusing solely on charitable or philanthropic donations.
- There will be no extra financial expenditure for the government due to this bill.
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Land Surveyors (Amendment) Bill
Passed 4 months ago
- The Land Surveyors (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to amend the Land Surveyors Act 1991 to facilitate mutual recognition arrangements for land surveyors, including foreign land surveyors registered under such agreements.
- Key amendments include the introduction of definitions for foreign competent authorities, registered foreign surveyors, and establishing annual registrations for foreign land surveyors.
- The Bill introduces provisions for the Board to maintain a register of foreign surveyors, and it allows registered foreign surveyors to practice survey work in Singapore under certain conditions.
- It also revises penalties for various offenses related to the practice of surveying, increasing maximum fines and stipulating that penalties must be paid into the Consolidated Fund.
- The legislation will not incur extra financial costs for the Government, according to the explanatory statement.
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Anti-Money Laundering and Other Matters Bill
Passed 4 months ago
- The Anti-Money Laundering and Other Matters Bill aims to amend various acts to align with Financial Action Task Force recommendations and improve the legal framework for addressing money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of weapons proliferation.
- Key amendments include updates to the Casino Control Act, which will now cover financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and enhancements to confiscation procedures under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes Act.
- The bill introduces new provisions for dealing with seized property, enable courts to order the sale of such property, and facilitates the sharing of information between various regulatory and law enforcement agencies regarding suspicious transactions.
- It includes provisions to allow the sale of property subject to restraint orders and alters procedures for determining ownership of seized property, particularly emphasizing conditions involving absconded persons suspected of relevant offenses.
- Additionally, the bill introduces a new Third Schedule to specify "foreign serious environmental and tax offences" related to money laundering, emphasizing the comprehensive approach to enhancing the laws addressing serious crimes.
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Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill
Passed 5 months ago
- The Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to ensure that companies and limited liability partnerships keep their registers of controllers, nominee directors, and nominee shareholders up-to-date and correct.
- Companies and foreign companies are required to lodge returns with details of their registers at the time of submitting financial statements or allowed documents to the Registrar.
- The bill introduces penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to $25,000 for companies or individuals failing to meet the new requirements.
- Limited liability partnerships are also mandated to notify registrable controllers of any changes and confirm the correctness of information at prescribed intervals.
- The Act will come into operation on a date designated by the Minister through a notification in the Gazette.
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Corporate Service Providers Bill
Passed 5 months ago
- The Corporate Service Providers Bill establishes a registration framework to regulate individuals and entities providing corporate services in Singapore, aiming to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing.
- It outlines the criteria for registration, renewal processes, and the responsibilities of registered corporate service providers, including ensuring services are provided by qualified individuals.
- The bill grants the Registrar authority to impose regulatory actions, such as suspension or cancellation of registration, for non-compliance with the Act.
- Provisions include penalties for providing false information and a framework for regulatory appeals to the Minister.
- It includes consequential amendments to several existing Acts, ensuring consistency with the new regulations governing corporate service providers.
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ACRA (Registry and Regulatory Enhancements) Bill
Passed 5 months ago
- The ACRA (Registry and Regulatory Enhancements) Bill aims to amend the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority Act 2004 and other related Acts, enhancing the business registry and regulatory system.
- Key amendments include establishing a repository of information related to business entities, facilitating electronic transactions, and refining the disclosure framework to protect personal data.
- The Bill introduces provisions for public agencies to share information with the Registrar and allows certain data to be excluded from public disclosure if a contact address is provided.
- The updated legislation will include new sections addressing contact addresses, addressing privacy concerns for individual identities linked to business registrations.
- It also streamlines procedures regarding the submission of documents and notifications by using an electronic transaction system, ensuring compliance with scheduled laws under the Authority's purview.
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Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Bill
Passed 7 months ago
- The Transport Sector (Critical Firms) Bill aims to amend various transport-related acts to strengthen the control and management of entities providing essential transport services in Singapore.
- It establishes a framework for designated operating entities and designated equity interest holders, allowing for stringent control over ownership and management in the transport sector.
- The Bill includes provisions for special administration orders to manage designated entities in distress, ensuring continued delivery of critical transport services.
- Any changes in ownership or management, especially regarding equity interests exceeding 5%, require prior approval from the relevant authorities.
- Violators of these provisions may face significant penalties, emphasizing the importance of maintaining reliable and secure transport services in Singapore.
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Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill
Passed 7 months ago
- The Cybersecurity (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to amend the Cybersecurity Act 2018 by renaming critical information infrastructure to "provider-owned critical information infrastructure" and introducing new classes of regulated entities regarding cybersecurity.
- It introduces provisions for the designation and regulation of third-party-owned critical information infrastructure, systems of temporary cybersecurity concern, and entities of special cybersecurity interest.
- The Commissioner of Cybersecurity is given expanded powers to enforce compliance, conduct audits, and impose penalties for non-compliance, including the ability to impose civil penalties instead of criminal prosecution.
- New definitions and frameworks for cyber risk management measures are established to include virtual computers and foundational digital infrastructure services like cloud computing and data center provisions.
- A transitional framework is provided to facilitate the smooth implementation of these amendments, ensuring ongoing compliance and regulation of existing cybersecurity infrastructures.
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Law Enforcement and Other Matters Bill
Passed 8 months ago
- The Law Enforcement and Other Matters Act 2024 aims to amend various acts to enhance law enforcement procedures and create new offences related to the misuse of SIM cards.
- Key amendments include the introduction of offences regarding the unlawful provision, registration, and possession of SIM cards using another person's personal information, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
- The bill updates the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2008 and the Police Force Act 2004 to modify procedures for apprehending individuals suspected of being a danger to themselves or others due to mental disorders.
- Several laws will have provisions for bail and bond, allowing officers from various authorities to release individuals on bail under specific circumstances, streamlining processes across different laws.
- The bill also grants the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprises exclusive rights to its symbols, with penalties for unauthorized use, indicating a focus on protecting institutional branding.
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Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill
Passed 8 months ago
- The Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) (Amendment) Bill aims to extend the operation of the existing Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act 1955 by an additional five years, starting from 21 October 2024.
- This amendment is enacted with the President's advice and consent of the Parliament of Singapore, showcasing a continuing legislative commitment to addressing temporary criminal law provisions.
- The bill does not entail any extra financial expenditure for the Government, indicating a focus on legal adjustments rather than economic implications.
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Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill
Passed 8 months ago
- The Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to extend the application of GST to all taxable supplies made by public agencies in Singapore, treating them as supplies made in the course of business.
- The bill defines "public agency" to include government ministries, departments, and bodies corporate established for public functions, with specific exclusions for Town Councils.
- It includes provisions to validate previously imposed GST by public agencies and sets out specific supplies that are not covered by this validation.
- The bill makes consequential amendments to the Goods and Services Tax Act and clarifies that its provisions come into effect upon publication in the Gazette.
- Overall, it does not involve any additional financial burden on the government.
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Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill
Passed 8 months ago
- The Mental Capacity (Amendment) Bill 2024 amends the Mental Capacity Act 2008, specifically introducing a new section 12B regarding electronic records related to lasting powers of attorney.
- The amendment allows electronic records, made under specific conditions, to be considered valid as deeds even if they do not explicitly state that they are intended to be considered as such.
- It provides protection against legal challenges regarding the validity of lasting powers of attorney created during a specified time frame, despite any non-compliance with certain formal requirements.
- The Bill stipulates that no legal proceedings regarding the validity of these instruments can be initiated after the Bill's introduction date, while still allowing courts to assess other validity requirements that do not pertain to the new provisions.
- The legislation is set to come into effect on a date to be determined by the Minister and does not require additional public funding.
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Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill
Passed 8 months ago
- The Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Bill 2024 aims to amend the Co-operative Societies Act 1979, enabling societies to pay dividends and honoraria from reserves upon approval by the Registrar of Co-operative Societies.
- Key changes include defining "reserves," streamlining procedures for financial statements, and removing certain approval requirements for investments and capital raising.
- The Bill introduces new provisions for the allocation and distribution of reserves, ensuring oversight by the Registrar before any proposals are presented to the annual general meeting.
- Additional amendments address technical adjustments in the registration process and the eligibility for payment of bonus certificates or shares in specific circumstances such as death or bankruptcy.
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Supplementary Supply (FY 2023) Bill
Passed 9 months ago
- The Supplementary Supply (FY 2023) Bill authorizes additional funding for the financial year from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, totaling up to $11.25 billion.
- Specifically, it allows for an additional $10.48 billion from the Consolidated Fund and $772.94 million from the Development Fund for various Heads of Expenditure outlined in the Schedule.
- Key appropriations include significant funding for the Ministry of Defence ($1.78 billion), Ministry of Health ($1.17 billion), and Ministry of Transport ($752.69 million).
- The Bill is in accordance with Article 148(2) of the Constitution, seeking to address expenditures beyond what was previously authorized by the Supply Act 2023.
- The total additional financial expenditure amounts to no more than $11,254,428,900.
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Supply Bill
Passed 9 months ago
- The Supply Bill 2024 authorizes the issuance of funds from the Consolidated Fund and Development Fund to cover the estimated expenditures for the financial year from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
- A total of up to $128.89 billion is allocated from the Consolidated Fund for public service expenditures, while up to $37.55 billion is earmarked from the Development Fund for development purposes.
- The total appropriations from both funds amount to a maximum of approximately $166.44 billion.
- Specific expenditures for various government ministries and offices are detailed in a schedule, including significant allocations for the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Education.
- The Bill emphasizes compliance with Article 148(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore regarding financial appropriations.
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